Operation Identification

What is Operation Identification?

Operation Identification is a citizen’s burglary prevention program for use in homes and businesses. Operation ID program involves the marking of property with an identifying number as a means of discouraging burglary and theft.

The Operation ID Program Has Two Parts

First: Mark your valuables with your Drivers License Number so that your property can be traced and identified as yours.

Second: Display a sticker which tells would-be burglars that your property has been marked.

What Makes Operation Identification So Effective?

Marked property is difficult for a burglar to dispose of or re-sell. It can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease. If the burglar is caught with marked property, it is solid evidence of possession of stolen goods.

How to Participate

The Taylor Police Department suggests using an engraver to mark your valuables. One can be obtained relatively inexpensively at any hardware store. When marking your valuables, always use your Drivers License Number; never use your Social Security Number. Also, always use your two letter state identifier along with your license number. Notice there are no gaps or spaces in the number shown.

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As you mark your items, always engrave the number on an area that cannot be easily dismantled, and which is not easily seen. After marking your property, make a list of your valuables and keep a copy of the list in a safe place. If you should subsequently become a burglary victim, you will be able to quickly describe the stolen property from the list. Of course some items cannot be marked and we suggest a photograph or video of the items. This will be of great help to the police department in our attempts to recover the stolen property.

Once property has been marked and a list made, display an Operation Identification sticker on a window which might be used for entry. By advertising your participation in “Operation ID” in this way, you are announcing that your valuable property has been marked and will be difficult for a burglar to re-sell. Often the presence of the sticker alone is enough to deter a burglar.

The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police
would like to offer some tips and suggestions
to help when interacting with the police that
will make the experience less stressful and
will help to ensure your safety and the safety
of the officer Read on...